Chapter 55 – Invasion Begins: Katzbarie Territory

In the capital of Linzent territory, Wolk was talking to his son, Ondyle. The topic of conversation was, of course, about Vilgard.

“Hahaha. It seems you’ve really taken a liking to Prince Vilgard.”

“Oh! Indeed, he is my grandson…! He truly embodies the spirit of a king! My heart trembled when he rebuked me…!”

Wolk was recounting his meeting with Vilgard.

At first, he intended to test Vilgard’s worth. To assert his own superior position, he deliberately delayed the meeting beyond the appointed date.

He thought that even if the deadline set by Vilgard passed, if he wanted the cooperation of a great lord, he would humble himself. Or he might get angry and accuse him of disrespect. In that case, he would simply laugh off the prince as a narrow-minded royal.

However, Vilgard reprimanded him from the first word, while also showing consideration for the other lords. His attitude was not that of someone desperate for cooperation. What if this offended him and he lost the cooperation he needed?

Those observing might have thought so. But Wolk thought differently.

He was moved by Vilgard’s spirited voice, attitude, and dignified demeanour. He was convinced that Vilgard was the lord he should serve and had been waiting for.

It was evident from his appearance that he had fought many battles up to that day. He had not lived an easy life. He had likely endured many hardships. Moreover, in his eyes, Wolk saw the resemblance to his daughter.

Although she had been purged, he felt that through Vilgard, she had given him the greatest filial piety over the years. And before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face.

“Indeed, there are few who would dare to rebuke you, Father…”

“Yes. Ondyle, we will soon reorganise the army. You will lead that army and follow Vilgard.”

“Will do Father. I have experienced many battles in the north. I will not be a burden.”

Moreover, Ondyle also had a son. Even if something happened to him, there would be no shortage of candidates to inherit the Linzent territory.

“Haha… It seems it will be a little longer before I can hand over the lord’s seat to you.”

“It can’t be helped. Prince Vilgard is heading to Katzbarie right now, isn’t he?”

“Yes. Soon, that land will also come under my grandson’s control.”

Although it has not been long since Katzbarie’s lord changed, Wolk understood what Shred was likely thinking. He was quite certain that Vilgard and Shred would clash.

“I will send a messenger to Diltrack. In a few months, the territory controlled by the lord’s alliance will likely become a second empire.”

“A few months… that soon?”

“It won’t take a year. If Vilgard wasn’t in a hurry, he wouldn’t be so urgently bringing the lords under his control. He has a reason to hurry.”

“…I see. You do have a clear view of the bigger picture.”

“A ruler of the empire must see things this way.”

Although Vilgard had demanded a response from the lords before they could agree on a policy, now Wolk understood his actions.

He had brought the elite Imperial Knights to a decisive battle on the Schleitocker Road and achieved a major victory. As a result, the empire was taking a cautious stance toward Vilgard.

In other words, they were in a state of hesitation. During this time, Vilgard was swiftly bringing the lord’s alliance under his control to solidify his base. This showed his serious intent to unify the empire.

“He will likely aim to capture Katzbarie and Clostova. Once these two territories fall, the lord’s alliance will effectively be completely under Vilgard’s control.”

“In this situation, Gordrick-dono shouldn’t have provoked Prince Vilgard…”

“Hmph. He simply miscalculated, despite Vilgard being my grandson.”

When Gordrick provoked Vilgard, he had not yet advanced his forces towards the lords’ alliance. At that time, everyone thought negotiations with him would take a long time.

“However, it is a fact that the prince’s forces are smaller compared to Katzbarie and Clostova. Wouldn’t it be better if he waited until I could join him?”

“That’s unnecessary. Whether he conquers the large territories with the backing of his maternal family or with his own forces, the significance and impact of the victory will be entirely different.”

“Goodness. Father, you seem to have complete faith in the prince’s abilities.”

If he truly battles and subjugates the two large territories, none of the lords in the alliance will dare oppose Vilgard. They will accept him as their superior.

For the empire, the threat will become increasingly tangible. They won’t be able to let their guard down, and there may be lords who defect.

Moreover, once Vilgard fully subjugates the lords’ alliance, his charisma and unifying power will surpass that of the current emperor.

“There is no doubt that a full-scale battle to reclaim the imperial capital will eventually begin. Until then, train the army well to avoid hindering Prince Vilgard!”

■

Kud had a half-smile on his face at the news that Shread, the lord of Katzbarie, had initiated negotiations.

“To think he’d try to negotiate with the king in this situation…”

Shamia also wore a wry smile.

“He probably thought he’d be treated accordingly since he’s a great lord.”

That’s likely. Though Linzent had surrendered to me, it was certain that I would clash with Clostova in the future. Shred probably thought he could leverage that to negotiate with me.

In times of peace, that might be acceptable. But I have no intention of wasting time unifying this land. I want to quickly solidify my control and prepare my forces.

Garshin, with a calm expression, asked me,

“My King, what are your orders?”

“Yes. To do that, we need to organise our information. Karan-san.”

“Yes, here.”

Using the map Karan-san spread out, we began to formulate our strategy.

“Katzbarie has a force of about 50,000 soldiers. Of those, 20,000 are stationed at the border with the southern Imperial territory to deter invasion.”

The border with the Imperial territory consists mostly of mountains and forested areas. Such terrain is often used to define territorial boundaries, so it’s not uncommon.

However, there are flatlands within this area where the roads are well-maintained. The places where large armies can advance are limited, so Katzbarie doesn’t need to think much about where to set up their defences.

“Most of the 30,000 soldiers recently stationed in the Rylag territory, so their training is decent.”

“They’ve been guarding the border with the Empire for many years.”

“Yes. Additionally, large territories have many villages and towns with large populations. If we advance, it is likely they will conscript and organise a considerable number of soldiers.”

They probably will. Their first move will be to create an overwhelming numerical advantage.

However, those conscripted hastily will lack proper training and have low morale. After all, they are about to raise their swords against the royal family.

I review the locations of the capital, villages, and towns. Simultaneously, I analyse our marching routes and predict the enemy’s potential responses.

“…There’s a large lake to the north of the capital.”

“That’s Lake Labrie. It’s valued as an important water source.”

“I see…”

It’s indeed a large lake. As a vital water source, it’s likely well-utilised, with roads well-maintained around it.

However, the area near the roads is mountainous, with dense forests.

“…We will divide the army into five units. The commanders will be Garshin, Lombard, Kud, Laris, and myself.”

“What!”

“M-me…?”

Laris, like Kud, is a female warrior from the Muria tribe. From what I’ve seen, her archery skills are exceptional. This will be the first time Lombard and Laris are given command of units.

But we’ve conducted numerous drills and both of them have shown great potential. They need to gain experience in situations like this.

“As for the five units, the invasion routes for each… and when the enemy counters..”

I explain the strategy to the four, considering various scenarios.

“Most towns and villages will likely surrender quickly. They will eventually become citizens of the new empire. Do not treat them harshly.”

“Understood!”

“…And if they resist?”

“Capture the village chiefs or town mayors and suppress the resistance of the residents. If necessary, you may kill them. But remember, it is a last resort.”

I want to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. Moreover, we are an army led by royalty, not just any local lord’s troops. Most will comply quietly.

In such situations, it’s clear which side holds the moral high ground.

“As usual, prioritise the Dorga tribe’s messengers. Support their movements as much as possible.”

Once the dispersed invasion begins, the Dorga tribe will be constantly moving between the units throughout the day.

By utilising their movements, we can prevent isolated defeats and adjust our forces according to the situation.

“Then… we begin the invasion of Katzbarie territory!”

“Yes!”

“Victory to our king!”